A character matrix is a grid that students make where the characters are listed horizontally on the left side and character traits are listed vertically across the top. Character matrices are a good way to analyze characters in a book or a movie. Character matrices can also be used to describe traits of things other than characters.
Why use a character matrix?
Character matrices are a good way to analyze characters and characteristics. When using a matrix for a story or a movie, having a character matrix is beneficial because students can visually see characters with the same traits and characters with opposite traits. When using matrices for other subjects, the teacher is reinforcing vocabulary and concepts used through categorization. The students can find similarities and differences between the characters they are studying.
Using a matrix is most effective when the students, rather than the teacher, make observations, point out connections, and note similarities and differences!!
How to use a character matrix:
Select a category to be analyzed.
Tell the students that they are going to help you construct a matrix/grid that will help them learn the relationships between the characters in the category you've selected.
Draw a grid on the whiteboard.
Label your grid.
Write in your different types of characters on the left side of the grid going down.
Write the characteristics you have chose across the top.
Write a "yes" or a "no" in the box that corresponds with the character and the characteristics as needed.
Here is an example of character matrix used in a biology lesson:
It is important to encourage students to discuss what they know about the subject before they start their matrix!
Showing photographs and illustrations can also be helpful.
Character Matrices work best when...
When students are in small groups of at least 3-4.
The students come up with their own character traits.
Character Matrix
By: Brittney EntrikinWhat is a character matrix?
A character matrix is a grid that students make where the characters are listed horizontally on the left side and character traits are listed vertically across the top. Character matrices are a good way to analyze characters in a book or a movie. Character matrices can also be used to describe traits of things other than characters.Why use a character matrix?
Character matrices are a good way to analyze characters and characteristics. When using a matrix for a story or a movie, having a character matrix is beneficial because students can visually see characters with the same traits and characters with opposite traits. When using matrices for other subjects, the teacher is reinforcing vocabulary and concepts used through categorization. The students can find similarities and differences between the characters they are studying.Using a matrix is most effective when the students, rather than the teacher, make observations, point out connections, and note similarities and differences!!
How to use a character matrix:
Here is an example of character matrix used in a biology lesson:
It is important to encourage students to discuss what they know about the subject before they start their matrix!
Showing photographs and illustrations can also be helpful.
Character Matrices work best when...